What does "Grace" mean in the Bible?

Grace (charis in Greek, chen in Hebrew) is God's undeserved kindness toward humanity. It is the foundation of the Christian gospel — salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.

What does "Agape" mean in the Bible?

Agape is the Greek word for unconditional, selfless love. It describes God's love for humanity and the love Christians are called to show — a love that gives without expecting return.

What does "Faith" mean in the Bible?

Faith (pistis in Greek, emunah in Hebrew) is the foundational response God requires of humanity — trusting in His character, His word, and His saving work through Jesus Christ.

What does "Redemption" mean in the Bible?

Redemption means to purchase freedom by paying a price. In the Bible, God redeems His people from slavery, sin, and death through the blood of Jesus Christ — the ultimate ransom.

Parable

παραβολή (Parabolē)

A short story using everyday life to teach spiritual truth

Greek

Strong's G3850

Pronunciation: pah-rah-boh-LAY

Quick Answer

A parable (parabolē) literally means 'to throw alongside' — placing a familiar earthly story next to a spiritual truth to illuminate it. Jesus used parables as His primary teaching method.

"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them." — Matthew 13:34 (KJV)

Key Verses

Matthew 13:34

“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them.”

Read in context

Mark 4:11-12

“And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.”

Read in context

Psalm 78:2

“I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old.”

Read in context

Strong's Concordance

Strong's G3850 — Parable (παραβολή (Parabolē))

Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where παραβολή (Parabolē) appears.

Open Strong's G3850

The Word Parabolē

The Greek 'parabolē' combines 'para' (alongside) and 'ballō' (to throw or cast). A parable 'throws' a familiar image alongside an unfamiliar truth, creating comparison and illumination. It is not an allegory (where every detail has a symbolic meaning) nor a fable (which uses fantasy). A parable is a realistic story drawn from everyday life that carries a single, powerful spiritual point.

Why Jesus Taught in Parables

When the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, His answer was surprising. Parables simultaneously reveal and conceal: to those with receptive hearts, they illuminate truth; to those with hardened hearts, they obscure it (Matthew 13:11-15). Parables require engagement — the listener must think, wrestle, and respond. They are invitations to deeper understanding, not mere entertainment.

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus told approximately 30-40 parables recorded in the Gospels, covering themes like the kingdom of God (mustard seed, leaven, hidden treasure), God's grace (prodigal son, lost sheep, lost coin), judgment (rich man and Lazarus, ten virgins, talents), and discipleship (sower, good Samaritan, wise and foolish builders). Each parable is a window into the nature of God, His kingdom, and what He expects of His people.

How to Read Parables

The key to reading parables well is to identify the central point rather than pressing every detail for meaning. Ask: Who is the original audience? What is the main comparison? What response does Jesus expect? Parables are not doctrinal treatises but stories designed to provoke decision. They end with an implied question: 'Now, what will you do with this truth?'

Frequently Asked Questions

How many parables did Jesus tell?

The exact number depends on definition, but most scholars count between 30 and 40 distinct parables in the Gospels. Some are as short as a single verse (the leaven, Matthew 13:33), while others are extended narratives (the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32).

What is the difference between a parable and an allegory?

A parable typically has one main point, with most details serving the story rather than carrying symbolic weight. An allegory assigns symbolic meaning to every element. Some of Jesus' parables have allegorical features (the sower), but most are best read as making a single powerful point.

Are parables unique to Jesus?

No, parables were used by rabbis and Old Testament writers before Jesus. Nathan told David a parable to convict him of sin (2 Samuel 12). However, no teacher in history used parables with the frequency, artistry, and theological depth that Jesus did.

What is the Greek word for "Parable" in the Bible?

παραβολή (Parabolē), pronounced "pah-rah-boh-LAY." It means a short story using everyday life to teach spiritual truth. Its Strong's number is G3850. It is the word behind "Parable" in both Testaments, for example in Matthew 13:34.

Related Words

Gospel

Faith

Covenant

Where to go next

Studied the meaning of Parable? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.

Parable

Key Verses

Matthew 13:34

Mark 4:11-12

Psalm 78:2

Strong's G3850 — Parable (παραβολή (Parabolē))

The Word Parabolē

Why Jesus Taught in Parables

The Parables of Jesus

How to Read Parables

Frequently Asked Questions

How many parables did Jesus tell?

What is the difference between a parable and an allegory?

Are parables unique to Jesus?

What is the Greek word for "Parable" in the Bible?

Related Words

Related Reading

Parable (παραβολή (Parabolē))

Strong's G3850 — Parable

What Are the Parables of Jesus?

The Rich Man and Lazarus

The Parable of the Talents

Parables of Jesus Quiz

Where to go next